#sparkinfo. Weekly Update
Week #17- December 10th-14th, 2018
'Tis The Season!
Please remind students that they will have five days to complete all work following a digital learning day to receive credit for the day.
This time of year is very busy professionally and personally. As we hustle to complete everything that must be done, please remember to keep it positive, focus on high student engagement, and concentrate on mastery and growth! Thank you for all you do for our students!
The Kings enjoying some time in the snow on Sunday!
We appreciated Mr. Travis Barbary speaking!
Thanks to the Sixth Grade and Lunchroom Staff for an excellent First Feast!
It was great to see Clemson students on campus for an adaptive volleyball lesson!
The Snow Fairies made it happen!
Erin Allen was in good company on Digital Learning Day #1!
Susan kept the daily headwear alive even during digital learning!
Mrs. Whittemore enjoyed working by the tree in her comfy footwear!
The Riddles were all engaged in digital learning!
Secret Santa
It's time for Secret Santa!!!
When you return to work, you will have a Secret Santa form in your box for a fellow staff or faculty member if you turned one in. I will not know who has who in that I am participating as well. It is important that you don't forget your person daily. Be creative, and have fun with it!
Gifts will be given the Friday before and the last week of school(12/14-20).
Friday - Wednesday the gifts are to be $1 each, then the final Thursday gift is from $5 - 10. Remember, the first four gifts are a SECRET! The final gift will be given to the person at our final feast!
This Week's Agenda!
Monday, Dec. 10th-
Digital Learning Day
Tuesday, Dec. 11th-
Digital Learning Day
Wednesday, Dec. 12th-
AXA PROVIDING IN-ROOM COFFEE
Student Council Meeting 3:15-4:00
Robotics Team Meeting (3:15-4:30)
Rescheduled- Basketball vs. Walhalla (5:30 PM)
Thursday, Dec. 13th-
Momentum Bike Club (3:30-5:00 PM)
Basketball vs. Wren (5:30 PM)
Wendy's Spirit Night! (5:00-8:00)
Rescheduled- Strings Concert (6:30)
Friday, Dec.14th-
AdvancED diagnostic info due
Christmas Feast Day 2
First Secret Santa
Science Club After School
Supervision
Please remember that it is essential that everyone is present at assembly. This is vital for not only supervision but for modeling. Students are to walk with their first period teacher to class. Please remember, we need everyone in the hallway at class change as well. In the article I shared with you yesterday from Mrs. Lawson, it was interesting to read about the effect on student engagement from simply greeting students at the door.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Thank you for what you do!
News from our PTO!
If you would like to join, you can download and print the membership form by clicking on the PTO photo. Forms may be returned to Misty Patnode in the guidance office.
SPARK SPOTLIGHT!!!!
Colleague Recognition
I was pleased to see greater variety in our Spark Spotlight sheet this week. Thank you to everyone who took the time to recognize good things they see their colleagues doing! This week, we will spotlight to teachers who were noted by their peers for something excellent.
John Garrett- John's colleague wrote, "As a first year teacher, Mr. Garrett is not intimidated to try things with his students! He recently asked me to participate in a Flipgrid praising and encouraging the kids to read "Holes" and when I showed it to my Enrichment class and mentioned them responding with a Flipgrid, they enthusiastically wanted to participate! Never would I have thought of that if Mr. Garrett had not asked me to be a part of their video! They are now our buddies! He also told me of the auction they were doing with the Special Ed. I brought two bags of my junk and he was so appreciative when I hauled it in this morning! My junk may make a Spec. Ed student's day or season and if he had not reached out to me, I never would have been a part of it! John Garrett is a true asset to Pickens Middle School!"
I agree, and am grateful for John and the difference he is making. Instructionally, I have been impressed by the way John has helped students assess their own "I Can". He has been cooking with his students during Daily Living Skills, and strives to put his students' needs before his own. Thank you John for the job you are doing.
Topher Bishop- Mr. Bishop's colleague wrote, "The Christmas choral concert that he put together last week was incredible. The students followed his direction so well, and the music and the YAMS strings band definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!! I laughed at Mr. Bishop's hearty "Ho, Ho, Ho," and it was fun to see him join in playing the Bass in the YAM's part of the program. GREAT JOB Mr. Bishop!!!!"
I believe it has made a difference for Mr. Bishop and his program this year having students that truly want to be part of the choral program. He has some grand ideas and is working to build a deeper program. Thank you Mr. Bishop.
Mr. Garrett and his former coach from SWU!
Mr. Bishop played with the Y.A.M.S. group!
From Sparks of Knowledge Grow Flames of Success
Email: jamesking@pickens.k12.sc.us
Website: http://pms.pickens.k12.sc.us/
Location: 140 Torch Lane, Pickens, SC, 29671
Phone: (864) 397-4100
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pickensms/?scrlybrkr=85865011
Twitter: @pmssparks